We took our 3rd RV trip for the season to Chappman Lake CO, south of Basalt CO next to the Frying Pan River. A very beautiful location. We had our hummingbird feeder hanging next to the trailer, and without notice, a Rufous hummingbird came to feed! These hummers are somewhat rare in Colorado. We have mostly Ruby Throated and Broad Tail hummers. This is the first time I have ever seen a Rufous. So I spent about 3 hours taking photos of him as he defended his newly claimed feeder. Once he became comfortable with us, we decided to move the feeder from where it was hanging to sitting on a small table. He was very confused for a while since he had been feeding and defending the original feeder location. On one pass, he decided to hover about 2 feet above the ground and about 10 feet in front of me, I was ready with camera in hand, and I was able to get a single shot with a little fill flash. I had to crop this image ALOT to get this result. The print size is only about 5X3. The focus was a little soft, so I spent quite a bit of time hand sharpening at a view of 400%. I use a Wacom tablet, and that made all the difference with touching up individual pixels. I needed to eek out as much detail possible without going overboard. I think the result came out pretty good compared to the original. Still wish I wouldn't have had to crop it so much though, but very happy to get this capture at all, may never have another chance like this in the wild.

Thank you for the comments and votes. Such a thrill to capture these guys, even though I spent 3 hours taking shots of him at the feeder, I wasn't about to settle for that type of image. So catching him in flight and hovering right in front of me was a real treat. And I agree with Harvey, getting a shot of a hummer in the wild without resorting to baiting is the ultimate goal. One day, when I can spend much more time trying, I might get lucky again.

It's a nice story but what you have captured here is truly extraordinary. Unfortunately we have become accustomed to the "extraordinary" with digital technology but the real thing, when as unexpected as this is, still stands out. Very well deserved blue. There should be a super blue an image as distinctive as this is. Super processing technique. (Full disclosure: I have never met Dennisheckman nor do I know any of his friends or relatives.)

STUNNING!!!!!! I sit on my deck for days n hours shooting these little buggers, So I REALLY APPRECIATE the clarity and quality of this shot!!! Congrats on not only the blue but possibly the best Hummer shot I've EVER seen!!!

Dpc voters did this justice Dennis.. pitty you now have a new addiction which is going to drive you crazy capturing these little birds. Well captured and Im wondering if Lightning wont be easier...? lol

Great flight shot of these little F1's on wings :) Perfect still head and blurred wings. Great BG. I find the central composition in this instance to suit the image, especially as it is crucifixion in look and feel. (It however concerns me that as there is no environment (flower(s), stems, branches) that to me screams "baited site") From a photographic skill and technicals POV it's worth at least an 8. More if there's real nectar and flowers, pushing the skill required up exponentially.